U.N. pleased with progress in Iraq

UNITED NATIONS, April 23 (UPI) -- The top U.N. political officer said he was impressed by the assistance provided by the world body to support the Iraqi government in political reconciliation.

In August 2007 the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 1770 to authorize the U.N. Assistance Mission in Iraq to "advise, support and assist" the government of Iraq to develop an "inclusive national dialogue and political reconciliation."

The undersecretary-general for political affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe, met with high-ranking officials with the Iraqi government and Multi-National Forces to discuss the progress made on Resolution 1770.

"Despite the many challenges facing Iraq, I believe the United Nations is playing a constructive and positive role and will continue working to build a peaceful and prosperous Iraq," Pascoe said.

Pascoe met with Iraqi Vice President Adil Abd al-Mahdi and Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih, who expressed gratitude for the work of the United Nations.

"They also thanked the United Nations for its efforts in supporting humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, and in particular, helping to build a positive momentum for the development and implementation of the International Compact with Iraq," he added.

Pascoe plans to brief the Security Council on Iraq sometime next week.